novelraw Chapter 798: Becoming Light
Chapter 798: Becoming Light
Yancheng Normal University, girls' dormitory.
5:30 PM.
The curtains surrounding the top bunk created a private little world, with the small clip-on lamp at the head of the bed casting a warm, yellow glow.
Qian Lele carefully took out a delicate, pale pink makeup bag.
Unzipping it, it was stuffed full of small, exquisite skincare and makeup samples: moisturizer, foundation, lipstick...
These, along with the makeup bag itself, were all gifts from her good friend Zhao Yaqian.
The reason given: they were free samples from the beauty salon meant for giving away, and they'd just expire if left unused.
Just like back when she was working part-time at Weiguang Coffee, she'd given Qianqian those "leftover cake scraps."
Because she knew they truly cost nothing, she accepted them with peace of mind and treasured them.
She took out a brand new cushion puff and tore open the packaging.
Recalling the makeup tutorials she had secretly bookmarked on Bilibili, her movements, though still a bit clumsy, were exceptionally careful as she gently patted and pressed the puff onto her face.
Actually, ever since she switched to a technical development role with Tang Song's help, no longer needing to work various odd jobs outside campus exposed to wind and sun, her skin condition had improved tremendously over the past six months.
Gone were the roughness and dullness, replaced by the unique hydration and fair complexion of a nineteen-year-old girl.
Her face, full of collagen, gleamed with a porcelain-white luster under the light.
After applying a simple base makeup, her already excellent skin tone looked even more even and translucent, like a peeled hard-boiled egg.
Next, she fished out a tube of dusty rose-colored lipstick and gently twisted it open.
Facing the small standing mirror in her hand, she carefully applied a layer, then pressed her lips together.
Her already full lips instantly gained a healthy color, like peach blossoms blooming in early spring.
For her, reaching this step meant she was done with her makeup.
Hesitating for a moment, she pulled out a sample-sized perfume and gave two light presses into the air.
A fresh, sweet, and elegant floral-fruity scent instantly filled the air.
"Wow—!"
From the adjacent top bunk, her roommate Wu Siqi, who had been lying down scrolling through short videos, abruptly sat up. She sniffed the air vigorously, her eyes instantly lighting up: "What's that smell? So fragrant! So classy! Lele, you actually used perfume?"
The roommate on the lower bunk, who had been reading a book, pushed up her glasses and said with a giggle: "So formal, even breaking out the perfume... Lele, it seems you don't plan on coming back tonight, huh?"
Wu Siqi immediately poked her head out over the bed railing, excitedly chiming in:
"That's totally fine! Absolutely must! You have to seize the opportunity and get on good terms with our Chairman Tang! Remember us when you're rich and powerful!"
"Swish—"
Qian Lele yanked open her bed curtain and climbed down the ladder.
Her face was slightly flushed. She lowered her head, tidying her hair while softly retorting:
"Don't talk nonsense... We're just going to support a friend's newly opened shop, to taste the food. It's that Sister Wen I told you about before."
"Oh—going to support a friend's shop—" Wu Siqi drew out her tone, wearing an expression that said "I get it, I totally get it." "Alright, alright, we believe you, we all believe you."
"Hahaha..." A wave of good-natured laughter filled the dorm room.
Amidst her roommates' teasing, Qian Lele, her face still red, began brushing her hair and changing clothes.
A beige double-faced wool coat, paired with a soft white wool sweater underneath, and dark gray fleece-lined leggings with a plaid skirt on the bottom.
This winter outfit was something she had just bought during the New Year's Day sales. It wasn't expensive, thanks to the mall promotion, but its strength lay in its good cut and gentle colors.
When she finished changing and turned around.
The previously giggling dormitory instantly erupted with exclamations.
"Wow! Lele, you're so beautiful!"
"Tsk tsk tsk, our Lele, with just a little effort, is absolutely stunning! This skin, this aura, this figure... She's the epitome of a pure female college student!"
"She really does look great. She'll definitely have 'brother' so mesmerized he won't be able to walk tonight!"
Qian Lele was teased into a flustered state, her cheeks burning hot.
Glancing at her phone, it was already 6 PM.
Even though there were still 20 minutes until the agreed time, she was already feeling restless and couldn't wait at all.
"I'm not talking to you guys anymore, I'm leaving first!"
She hurriedly picked up the canvas bag she had prepared earlier, hastily bid her roommates farewell, and practically fled out the door.
Leaving the dormitory building.
She crossed the gradually bustling campus and arrived outside the South Gate of the Teachers' College.
On a weekend evening, there were especially many students.
Groups of three or five, boys and girls, bundled in down jackets, chatting and laughing as they entered and exited the school gate. The air was filled with the unique vitality of youth and the rare sense of relaxation that weekends bring.
Qian Lele didn't stand in the most conspicuous spot. Instead, she chose a corner on the curb where she could clearly see the direction from which cars would come.
Her curvaceous figure, delicate and bright facial features, pure student aura, paired with this gentle outfit.
Created a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Students coming and going through the school gate, especially the boys, couldn't help but have their gazes drawn to her, whispering among themselves.
After all, she was the famous "Cinderella" of the Teachers' College. Having braved wind and rain to run her stall before, she was somewhat of a campus celebrity. More or less, people recognized this face.
Qian Lele somewhat shyly lowered her gaze, tucking her chin into her scarf.
But her hand clutched her phone tightly, afraid of missing his message.
Right then.
"Lele?"
"Lele?" A crisp voice tinged with surprise came from behind.
Qian Lele instinctively turned around and saw several female classmates walking over together.
Among them were Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia, who were on good terms with her.
They were chatting and laughing, on their way to eat outside campus.
"Xueqi, Wenjia..." Qian Lele quickly greeted them with a smile.
Shi Xueqi affectionately grabbed her arm: "Lele, we were just about to go eat spicy dry pot. Want to join?"
"I already have plans to eat with someone," Qian Lele said apologetically, waving her hand. "I can't go. You guys go ahead and enjoy."
"Plans with someone?" Li Wenjia immediately became interested, winking and lowering her voice to joke, "It couldn't be... that 'god-like brother' of yours, could it?"
"Um..." Qian Lele pursed her lips, her cheeks warming slightly, but she still gave a slight nod, her voice soft. "Mm, it's him."
As her words fell, the girls' eyes instantly lit up like little colored lights that had been switched on.
The air immediately filled with a flurry of suppressed, excited chattering:
"Wow! It really is the male god!"
"Hurry, hurry! We can eat dry pot later! I want to wait with Lele for a bit, I haven't seen him in person yet!"
"Me too! I just wanted to ask Lele for advice about winter break part-time jobs, how to find reliable ones?"
"Yeah, yeah, let's wait a bit! Hehe~"
For a moment, the atmosphere became lively and cheerful.
About Qian Lele's "brother" had almost become a legend in their class.
The reason was simple.
During that elective class in the lecture hall last time, Tang Song, dressed in a custom-made suit as if he'd stepped off the cover of a finance magazine, suddenly appeared and took Qian Lele away in front of everyone.
The impact of that scene was too strong. Photos had circulated privately through the class group and even caused a brief stir on the school forum.
But this "Cinderella" herself was incredibly low-key, never showing off in class.
No matter how curiously others tried to probe indirectly, she would just smile and rarely say much.
Seeing her classmates' excited, eager, and expectant faces, Qian Lele felt a bit panicked inside.
She was mainly afraid that having so many people gathered around would cause trouble for Tang Song.
But these were her classmates, on good terms with her, and she really couldn't bring herself to directly refuse...
Just as she was feeling at a loss.
Two beams of bright, white headlights smoothly swept across the ground in front of them.
An all-black car, its lines flowing like a sculpture, silently glided closer.
At the front of the car, the iconic "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament refracted a cold yet dazzling light under the dim street lamps.
"Wow... this car..."
"Is that a Rolls-Royce? A Phantom?"
The girls instantly had their attention completely captured, exclaiming in low voices.
In the internet age, they certainly recognized this vehicle symbolizing top-tier wealth and status.
Immediately after, under their breath-held, watchful gazes.
This luxury car, as if from another world, actually came to a steady stop by the roadside right next to them.
The air instantly quieted, the surrounding noise seeming to be blocked out.
"Click—"
A steady, soft sound, as the heavy carriage-style door was pushed open from the inside.
Under the surrounding gazes, a tall, slender, and upright figure stepped out.
He wore a dark-colored down jacket, revealing a light gray hoodie underneath. On the bottom were neat casual pants and a pair of clean white sneakers.
It was the kind of handsome that was just right, with a relaxed feel.
The night breeze brushed past, stirring his fine black hair, contrasting with his cool, fair skin.
A straight nose, thin lips, handsome and distinguished.
He stood there casually, yet naturally exuded an aura of composed elegance and gentle refinement.
In person, he was even more three-dimensional and outstanding than those wildly circulated photos.
Absolutely a "man who stepped out of a manga."
The girls almost simultaneously held their breath, their eyes wide open.
Looking at the guy standing by the Rolls-Royce, then at the "Cinderella" standing next to them.
Their minds buzzed.
Before, they only knew that Qian Lele's brother was a handsome male god.
They never, ever imagined that this male god's ride would be on the level of a Rolls-Royce Phantom!
The impact was simply ineffable.
Looking at the sister in front of him, who had dressed up specially, her face flushed, a gentle smile rose in Tang Song's eyes:
"It's so cold, why are you standing out here? Didn't I say I'd call you when I arrived?"
As he spoke, Qian Lele's previous awkwardness and nervousness instantly vanished.
She looked up at Tang Song, her cheeks tinged with a lovely blush. Her eyes seemed to be filled with stars, sparkling brightly:
"No... I just came down too, and it's not cold today."
Tang Song smiled and naturally reached out to help straighten her hair, which was pressed down by her scarf.
Then, he turned his head, his gaze gentle as he looked at the girls standing nearby.
He greeted them politely: "Hello, you're Lele's classmates, right? Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia, long time no see."
His memory was exceptional; even with just one meeting, he could accurately match names to faces.
Hearing the male god actually remember their names!
Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia felt a rush of blood surge to the top of their heads, so happy they were about to faint on the spot.
The feeling of being remembered by a top-tier male god was simply too dreamlike!
The two of them flusteredly bowed and waved their hands, stammering in response:
"T-Tang... Brother Tang Song! L-long time no see!"
"Hello, hello!"
The other girls behind also followed, blushing and mumbling greetings, their hearts pounding so hard they felt like they might leap out of their throats.
"We're heading up ahead to eat. We'll chat another time when there's a chance," Tang Song said with a smile as he bid farewell, then very naturally slipped his hands into his pockets.
Qian Lele hurriedly said goodbye to her classmates and quickly followed him.
Under the envious, almost distorted gazes of the group of girls, the two walked side by side toward the western side of the school.
...
After walking some distance, the noisy school gate was left behind. The surroundings gradually quieted, leaving only the street lamps stretching their shadows long.
Qian Lele followed closely beside Tang Song, maintaining just the right distance. She could smell the faint, clean, fresh scent on him. Her heart felt as if it were filled with something, warm and full.
Suddenly, Tang Song stopped walking.
Qian Lele stopped too, looking up at him with some confusion. "What's wrong, brother?"
Tang Song turned sideways, looking at her carefully under the soft, dim yellow streetlight.
Her face looked exceptionally fair and translucent in the light. Her phoenix eyes, with light makeup, appeared larger and brighter, her lip color warm and moist.
The scarf was loosely wrapped around her neck, making her chin appear delicate and pointed, pure and moving.
He broke into a smile and suddenly said, "Lele, you look beautiful today."
Qian Lele froze completely. Her cheeks flushed red at a visibly rapid pace, the color spreading to her earlobes and neck.
She instinctively lowered her head. Her heart was drumming wildly in her chest, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
Just then, a warm, dry, large hand reached over and gently took hold of hers.
Qian Lele trembled all over, as if struck by a faint electric current.
She didn't dare look up, her eyelashes fluttering, letting him hold her hand. Her fingers curled slightly in his palm, then slowly relaxed.
The winter night's wind seemed to have become gentler.
"Brother is very handsome today too," she finally mustered the courage to reply in a very small voice.
Tang Song chuckled softly, the sound particularly pleasant in the quiet alley entrance.
"Let's go." He gave their joined hands a little shake. "You lead the way; I don't know where Sister Wen's shop is."
"Oh, right!" Qian Lele suddenly realized, her face flushing again. She quickly took two steps forward, so she was slightly ahead, leading him forward.
At first, she was still a bit stiff due to the warmth transmitted through their palms.
But after walking about ten meters, that tension and shyness gradually gave way to a fulfilling, sweet sense of security.
She could clearly feel the temperature and strength of his hand—not too loose, not too tight, yet incredibly reassuring.
Her heart felt like cotton warmed by the sun—warm, fluffy, and soft.
Unconsciously, she gently swung their clasped hands, and her steps became lighter too.
She started chattering away, sharing with him a few interesting algorithmic ideas she'd learned in class recently.
Tang Song listened quietly, occasionally chuckling in response or asking follow-up questions.
The alley echoed with her crisp voice and the intermingled sound of their footsteps.
Peaceful and warm.
A few minutes later, they turned into a small alley brimming with the atmosphere of everyday life.
The alley wasn't wide, both sides crammed with various snack shops, fruit stalls, and grocery stores.
Colorful, with warm yellow lights.
The air was a complex mix of cooking oil fumes, braised food, and sugar-roasted chestnuts, full of vibrant life.
"It's just ahead, almost there," Qian Lele pointed to a small shop not far away.
The storefront wasn't large, simple and clean.
A brand new signboard read "Sister Wen's Clay Pot Skewers," the font round and cute.
The glass window had a "Opening Soon" paper cutout pasted on it.
Through the bright glass, one could see the simple white-painted walls, wooden tables and chairs, and two busy figures inside.
"Ding-a-ling—"
As the glass door was pushed open, the wind chime hanging from the handle emitted a crisp sound.
"Sister Wen, we're here!" Qian Lele's voice was light and cheerful.
The two busy people immediately turned around.
When they clearly saw Tang Song and Qian Lele walking in side by side, they both instinctively paused, their eyes flashing with intense admiration.
"Lele! Tang Song! You're finally here!" Sister Wen's face immediately broke into a brilliant smile. She quickly came forward, laughing heartily. "Oh my, Tang Song is getting more and more handsome, almost dazzling me. And Lele is getting prettier too!"
"Long time no see, Sister Wen. Congratulations on the new shop opening, wishing you prosperous business." Tang Song smiled and raised a hand in greeting.
"Thank you, thank you! I'll take that auspicious wish!" Sister Wen laughed so hard her eyes crinkled. She turned and pulled over the woman next to her, who looked a bit reserved. "Here, let me introduce you. This is Meng Qin, my former colleague, now my most important partner! We call this 'laid-off female workers re-employment,' haha!"
Meng Qin looked to be in her late twenties, wearing thin-rimmed glasses, with a gentle, scholarly air. She smiled somewhat awkwardly. "Hello."
"Hello, Sister Meng, I'm Qian Lele."
"Hello, Sister Meng, I'm Tang Song."
"Sit, sit, sit!" Sister Wen enthusiastically urged them. "We're still in trial operation, not officially open yet. Today is just for us to have some fun and taste the food! What do you want to eat? Clay pot potato noodles or hot braised skewers? The ingredients are all in the fridge, fresh! Just grab whatever you want!"
Qian Lele looked around the small shop, which, though simple, was neatly arranged, and asked curiously, "Sister Wen, is it just us? Didn't you invite other friends?"
"There are two more, they live farther away, probably almost here," Sister Wen explained as she poured them steaming buckwheat tea. "They're former finance colleagues from Hengyuan Trading, really close with me. She's bringing her boyfriend today. With our small business, we're a bit nervous, so we didn't dare make a big fuss. We just called you, our own people, to check it out first and give us your valuable opinions!"
The two sat down at a square table by the window.
Tang Song took off his coat. Qian Lele naturally reached out to take it, carefully folded it, and placed it on the chair against the wall.
Though the small shop was humble, it was kept exceptionally clean.
Soon, Sister Wen and Meng Qin brought over two steaming bowls of clay pot potato noodles.
In the large, coarse porcelain bowls, translucent noodles soaked in a rich bone broth, topped with plenty of minced meat sauce, greens, and a golden fried egg.
Immediately after, a large bunch of skewers soaked in bright red, oily broth was also brought over.
The domineering aroma of spicy, numbing, fragrant deliciousness instantly filled the air, drilling into their nostrils.
Tang Song hadn't eaten this kind of down-to-earth, everyday street food in a long time.
Taking a bite, the crispness of the tripe, the tenderness of the beef, mixed with the fragrant spiciness of the broth, instantly awakened his taste buds.
Fresh ingredients paired with this rich broth, eaten in this lively little shop, felt particularly satisfying and enjoyable.
Qian Lele also ate with relish, the spiciness causing tiny beads of sweat to appear on the tip of her nose, but her eyes squinted with contentment.
Sister Wen and Sister Meng sat across from them, watching them eat heartily, pleased smiles appearing on their faces.
The group ate and chatted, bursts of happy laughter erupting from time to time.
Just as they were chatting animatedly.
"Ding dong—" A notification sounded from Sister Meng's phone on the table.
She picked it up and glanced at it, smiling. "It's a WeChat from Li Juan. She's gotten off the bus and will be at the alley entrance soon."
Sister Wen couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "You know, among our batch of old colleagues who left early, she's the one who's done the best."
Sister Meng also chimed in, her tone carrying a hint of envy:
"Yeah, I heard from her just a couple of days ago that she's planning to buy an apartment in Yancheng. She's almost saved up the down payment. Recently, she's been looking at properties, planning to buy right here in Yuhua District."
"Too amazing," Sister Wen's eyes showed obvious envy. "By the way, which five-star hotel did she say she works at again?"
"It's that really popular one, Lan Feng International. She does financial accounting there. Her salary now is 7,500, with full social security, housing fund, and an annual bonus. Her boyfriend is also really capable, works as a cost accountant at a pretty famous clothing e-commerce company. And I heard that right after New Year's, he just got a promotion and raise, already at a supervisor-level salary package."
Listening to their discussion.
Tang Song, who was drinking water, paused his movements slightly, raising an eyebrow.
What a coincidence?
"Ah, can't envy that," Meng Qin shook her head. "In this current environment, finding a stable job is so hard. For us, just being able to open this little shop is pretty good."
"Exactly, we're just hoping this little shop can go smoothly," Sister Wen agreed.
Qian Lele swallowed the wide noodles in her mouth, wiped her lips with a napkin, and said with firm, spirited determination: "It definitely can! There are already lots of students around Yancheng Normal University. As long as the taste is good and the prices are reasonable, there definitely won't be a shortage of customers. And Sister Meng's family-recipe braised broth is really amazing. This clay pot skewer format is also perfect for winter. It's definitely going to be a hit!"
Infected by Lele's positive, uplifting spirit, Sister Wen also became more optimistic, slapping her thigh:
"Right! I'll take Lele's auspicious words! This is our first venture! If we do well in the future, we'll franchise, spread throughout the whole province! By then, we'll open a branch right inside that Lan Feng International five-star hotel! Hahaha!"
Meng Qin was also amused by this bold declaration, covering her mouth with a light laugh.
Qian Lele, the tip of her nose still dotted with fine sweat, raised her cup of buckwheat tea, smiling like a flower: "Then I'll first wish Sister Wen and Sister Meng prosperous business and abundant wealth!"
"Get rich! Get rich! Let's all get rich together!"
Four cups clinked together, emitting crisp sounds. The atmosphere was warm and cozy.
Putting down her cup, Sister Wen looked at Tang Song. Riding on the lively mood, she joked:
"So, Tang Song, seeing your little sister so confident, how about considering investing a bit in us? Then you'd be an original shareholder of our shop, lying back and counting money with us!"
She didn't know Tang Song's financial capabilities, but from their interactions, his demeanor, speech, and the occasional glimpse of his perspective, she could sense he was definitely no ordinary young man.
Their little shop was just starting. Transfer fees, rent, renovation, equipment, ingredients... They'd already sunk nearly 110,000 upfront, almost emptying their savings.
For the upcoming opening promotion and handling initial risks, they were indeed tight on funds. Meng Qin had even considered cashing out her credit card.
Of course, this was mostly just a casual remark prompted by the atmosphere. She didn't really expect Tang Song to invest money in this kind of roadside shop.
He paused, looking at Qian Lele, his tone natural as if discussing an interesting project:
"Lele, what do you think? This shop's location is good, the product has character, and Sister Wen and Sister Meng have experience and determination. At this startup stage, if there's some capital injection to optimize the supply chain, control costs well, and do some targeted student customer promotion, the profit model could work."
Qian Lele was taken aback, not expecting her brother to respond so seriously.
She thought it over carefully, as if answering a teacher's question: "Sister Wen's shop is near the school, so rent is an advantage. The main clay pot and skewer categories have natural appeal in winter. The price point also fits within students' daily spending range. If they can control meal preparation efficiency and ingredient costs well, there really is a lot of potential."
"Analysis is spot on," Tang Song praised with a smile, tapping his finger lightly on the table. "So? Shall we invest a bit together?"
Qian Lele's face flushed "whoosh" red, embarrassed as she whispered: "I... where would I have money to invest? Brother, don't tease me."
"Not necessarily," Tang Song smiled and turned to Sister Wen and Meng Qin, asking lightly: "Sister Wen, Sister Meng, have you two calculated it yourselves? If you really want to take another step forward, roughly how much funding would you need?"
Sister Wen and Meng Qin exchanged a glance; they had clearly done the math privately before.
Sister Wen rubbed her hands together, somewhat apologetically saying: "We've poured out all our savings, just enough for the shop space, basic renovation, and ingredient turnover for the first month. If we really want to have some breathing room, to improve ingredient quality a bit more, or do a small activity during the opening to attract some attention... we'd probably need another thirty to forty thousand yuan as a cushion to feel secure."
Tang Song turned to look at Qian Lele, smiling: "See, Lele? It's not the astronomical figure you imagined, right?"
His gaze held encouragement, as if painting an interesting future: "Just think of it as us supporting Sister Wen's venture together, and also a small practice for you. If this little shop really takes off, you might actually be able to improve your own financial situation."
Looking into her brother's eyes, listening to his confident, gentle words, Qian Lele suddenly felt a stirring in her heart.
She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the hem of her clothes. The scales in her heart began to tip back and forth.
She did have a bit of money.
[Weiguang Coffee] paid salaries on the 5th of every month, which happened to have been deposited just yesterday.
Moreover, because [Weiguang Coffee] was developing extremely smoothly, this month's salary included a year-end bonus.
As an external front-end developer, she also received a not-insignificant bonus.
Professor Jiang's lab issued its stipend at the beginning of the month...
Plus the money she had saved from being frugal before.
Her card had roughly 15,000 yuan.
To others, it might not be much, but to her, this was already a "fortune" she had saved up bit by bit with her own hands.
It was precisely because of this little bit of security that she dared to buy new clothes, dared to dress up a little.
This money was originally planned for going home in a couple of days for the holiday: to pay the winter heating bill for her family, buy them thick down jackets, or get her mom a new phone...
But her brother's words seemed to carry magic.
"Invest together."
This phrase was both unfamiliar and incredibly tempting to her.
It meant that between them, it would no longer be just simple sibling care. There would be an additional, special connection.
She would have a legitimate, frequent topic to discuss with him, to seek his advice on.
Just thinking about this point made a scalding wave of anticipation surge in her heart.
What's more...
What if they really made money? Then she would have another stable source of income.
Thinking this.
A nameless courage, mixed with her complete trust in him, suddenly rushed up.
"Alright then, brother, I want to give it a try!"
Tang Song smiled and ruffled the top of her head, then looked at the two across the table: "Sister Wen, Sister Meng, then we'll provide this startup capital. Also, I have some contacts in fresh cold chain and ingredient supply. I'll have someone connect with you directly later. The price and quality should both be more advantageous than the market."
He knew about Qian Lele's family situation: her father was ill, she had a younger brother in high school, life was very difficult.
But this "Cinderella" had a stubborn sense of self-respect deep in her bones.
If he directly gave her money, or offered any obviously unequal gifts, she would see it as pity and firmly refuse, possibly even hurting the dignity she carefully maintained.
She insisted on changing her fate with her own hands.
But she was only a junior in college. Relying solely on part-time jobs and that small lab stipend, saving enough money to truly improve her family's situation would be far too slow and difficult.
This little shop was a good opportunity.
The capital threshold wasn't high, the model was clear, and it was located right in the campus area she knew best.
More importantly, for this kind of small shop, as long as they secured the ingredient supply chain and word-of-mouth marketing, in a place like a university town with stable foot traffic and strong consumption, there was almost no chance of losing money.
And these two things were, for him, the simplest matters.
Sister Wen and Sister Meng exchanged a glance, their faces full of pleasant surprise.
Having struggled in society for years, they instantly understood the weight behind Tang Song's words.
That casually mentioned "some contacts," representing stable, high-quality, and potentially more price-advantageous sources of goods, was, for a small food and beverage shop, a lifeline even more precious than cash.
This so-called investment was clearly to look after Qian Lele, his little sister, and incidentally give them a helping hand.
"Oh my! This... this really is..." Sister Wen was so excited she became incoherent. "Tang Song, Lele, I won't say much more! This kindness, I'll remember it in my heart!"
"Here's to a pleasant cooperation and the little shop's business booming!"
"Pleasant cooperation!"
"Prosperous business!"
In the humble little shop, under the warm yellow light, a hopeful warmth spread.
Qian Lele quietly turned her face to look at Tang Song beside her.
He was smiling, listening to Sister Wen talk. The lines of his profile looked particularly soft and handsome in the light. His eyes seemed to hold galaxies and oceans.
Encountering light, chasing light, becoming light.
This was probably the most accurate portrayal of her current state.
I hope one day, I can also shine a little bit of light for brother.
She silently made this wish in her heart.
...
Just as the atmosphere in the shop was at its peak.
The wind chime at the door rang again.
"Ding-a-ling—"
A gust of cold air carrying the chill of the winter night rushed in as the shop door was pushed open.
"Wenwen! Sister Meng!" A woman's voice full of laughter sounded. "Oh wow, it smells so good! Let me taste it quick, I'm dying of craving!"
Immediately after, a man and a woman walked in.
The man was about 1.7 meters tall, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a neat buzz cut, honest-looking features, wearing an ordinary black down jacket, with an average build.
The woman was thin, wrapped in a simple, long black down jacket, with ordinary looks.
"Ah, Xiao Juan, Youguang, you're finally here!" Meng Qin immediately stood up, smiling as she went to greet them.
"Sorry we're late... there was a bit of traffic on the way," Li Juan said apologetically.
Sister Wen immediately welcomed them warmly: "Oh, not late at all, just in time! Come in, come in, have something to eat. Perfect timing to introduce you to two friends."
Li Juan and Sun Youguang took off their coats while looking in the direction Sister Wen indicated.
When their gazes landed on Tang Song, who was smiling as he looked at them, both of them froze simultaneously. Their faces instantly filled with disbelief and shock.
Almost blurted out, their voices carrying suppressed excitement:
"President Tang?!"
This form of address and their unusual reaction made Sister Wen and Meng Qin, who were standing nearby, freeze too, looking confusedly at Tang Song, then at them.
Tang Song stood up with a smile, his attitude gentle: "Youguang, Li Juan, what a coincidence."
"This... President Tang, you... what are you doing here?" Sun Youguang quickly straightened up a bit, his tone filled with respect.
Li Juan also hurriedly followed with a greeting, her face slightly flushed from nervousness: "Hello, President Tang! What a coincidence... I never expected..."
"I just found out about Sister Wen opening a shop here too, came to taste the food," Tang Song said casually, gesturing for them to relax. "Don't just stand there, have a seat."
"You know each other?" Sister Wen looked at one, then the other, unable to contain her curiosity.
Li Juan quickly nodded, her gaze at Tang Song filled with gratitude: "Th-this is our company's boss, President Tang. He's also Youguang's company's boss. I was able to get into my current workplace because President Tang personally arranged it."
Hearing this, Sister Wen and Sister Meng simultaneously widened their eyes, faces full of disbelief.
Li Juan's company's boss?
Then that means... the boss of Lan Feng International five-star hotel?!